Brumby behind pro-NBN Facebook group

Victorian Premier and Labor stalwart John Brumby yesterday issued a statement noting he had created a new Facebook group where Victorians concerned about the Coalition's broadband policy could make their feelings known.

A screenshot of John Brumby's pro-NBN Facebook group.(Screenshot by Delimiter)

"If Tony Abbott gets his way he'll scrap the National Broadband Network and the 700 highly skilled jobs that are set to be based in Melbourne's national operations centre," said Brumby.

"Melbourne is regarded as the ICT capital of Australia and with the hub of the National Broadband Network we are set for an exciting future. But this future is under direct threat from the Liberal and National parties. Tony Abbott doesn't understand the internet and obviously doesn't care about Victoria's ICT jobs."

So far the Facebook group has attracted 134 members and a number of comments. However, some of them are comments from ALP loyalists; for example, Victorian Legislative Council member Jaala Pulford and Victorian MP Martin Foley.

The Facebook group was created by Brumby's own Facebook profile.

"The National Broadband Network is more than better download speeds — it means isolated Victorians can keep in contact better, businesses around Victoria can compete better on the international stage, we can deliver better education to our classrooms, and medical researchers can work together better to fight disease," Brumby said.

"Over 230 Victorian cities, towns and suburbs will be left with a second rate internet service under Tony Abbott, holding back Victorian businesses and putting Victorian jobs at risk."